Utility of filter paper for preserving insects, bacteria, and host reservoir DNA for molecular testing

Appropriate methodology for storage biological materials, extraction of DNA, and proper DNA preservation is vital for studies involving genetic analysis of insects, bacteria, and reservoir hosts as well as for molecular diagnostics of pathogens carried by vectors and reservoirs. Here we tried to evaluate the utility of a simple filter paper-based for storage of insects, bacteria, rodent, and human DNAs using PCR assays. Total body or haemolymph of individual mosquitoes, sand flies or cockroaches squashed or placed on the paper respectively. Extracted DNA of five different bacteria species as well as blood specimens of human and great gerbil Rhombomys opimus was pipetted directly onto filter paper. The papers were stored in room temperature up to 12 months during 2009 until 2011. At monthly intervals, PCR was conducted using a 1-mm disk from the DNA impregnated filter paper as target DNA. PCR amplification was performed against different target genes of the organisms including the ITS2-rDNA of mosquitoes, mtDNA-COI of the sand flies and cockroaches, 16SrRNA gene of the bacteria, and the mtDNA-CytB of the vertebrates. Successful PCR amplification was observed for all of the specimens regardless of the loci, taxon, or time of storage. The PCR amplification were ranged from 462 to 1500 bp and worked well for the specified target gene/s. Time of storage did not affect the amplification up to one year. The filter paper method is a simple and economical way to store, to preserve, and to distribute DNA samples for PCR analysis

[Knowledge, attitude and performance of primary school teachers dealing with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder]

Knowledge and attitudes of teachers about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder [ADHD] play an active role in their correct behaviors towards the respective students. To assess the elementary school teacher's knowledge, attitude and behavior towards ADHD students. In this crosssectional study, 400 elementary school teachers in Rasht in 1388 completed a self-report, anonymous questionnaires which included demographic data, knowledge, attitude and behavior towards ADHD. The schools were randomly selected from both government and non profit ones, and ten teachers from each participated in the survey. The validity of the questionnaires was confirmed by 5 pediatric psychiatrists and a pilot study was carried out to test the reliability of them [Cronbach's alpha=0.78] Teachers [56 males and 344 females] had average knowledge about diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. Most of the teachers had neuter attitude toward ADHD students. Most of the teachers had good behaviors toward ADHD students. The mean scores of attitude and behavior were higher in female teachers and mean score of attitude was higher in higher educational level [P=0/003]. There was a significant correlation between teachers' knowledge and their behaviors. [Respectively, P=0.001, r=0.18; P=0.001, r=0.16] As demonstrated, teachers with greater knowledge and more positive attitude had better performance in dealing with ADHD students. Good performance and neuter attitude seem to be due to different intervening factors related to the complexity of human mental and behavioral performances

efficacy of topical solution of 0.3% ciprofloxacin in treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris

Acne vulgaris is a very common disorder affecting virtually every adolescent at some point in time. Topical treatment of acne involves the use of retinoids and antimicrobials. Antimicrobials reduce P. acne population and are effective for treatment of inflammatory lesions. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of topical ciprofloxacin solution and compared it with topical erythromycin solution. The study was a prospective single-blind clinical trial. One hundred patients with mild to moderate acne were enrolled. The patients were randomly treated with topical application of 0.3% ciprofloxacin or 4% erythromycin solutions. For a six week period, they were visited every two weeks. Acne severity index [ASI] was calculated in each visit and recorded. Ninety-three patients completed the study, 50 patients in the ciprofloxacin and 43 in the erythromycin groups. Irritation was generally mild for both treatments and no discontinuation was reported because of adverse effects. There was no statistically significant difference between the two treatment groups in reduction of comedons or papules but reduction of pustules was greater in ciprofloxacin treatment group after 4 weeks. ASI was reduced in the two groups but in ciprofloxacin treated patients, this reduction was more significant at all follow up visits. The results of this study indicate that topical solutions of erythromycin and ciprofloxacin were effective in treating mild to moderate acne vulgaris and both were well-tolerated by the patients. Ciprofloxacin solution produced greater reduction in pustule counts and ASI, during the six week period of twice-daily application. This novel modality may have an important potential role in rotational topical therapy of inflammatory acne lesions